7 Things Europeans Splurge On (That Americans Would Never Pay For)

Why Bother Exploring This Topic?

American travelers in Europe often notice that locals fork out serious cash for things that, from a U.S. viewpoint, might seem overpriced or unnecessary. Whether it’s a pricey piece of hand-made clothing or a luxurious gastronomic experience, these expenses sometimes raise eyebrows among American visitors used to mass-market deals and “value-sized” everything. But for many Europeans, quality over quantity and tradition over convenience are deeply ingrained principles, guiding them to invest in certain goods and experiences most Americans wouldn’t dream of paying top dollar for.

Below, we’ll examine 7 prime examples of these “European splurges” that might seem extravagant to Americans, yet represent ordinary or even essential outlays for locals. Understanding them can illuminate core differences in values and daily life—plus offer a chance to reflect on whether these “extra” costs might be worth it for anyone seeking a deeper sense of craftsmanship, well-being, or plain old enjoyment.

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Quick Easy Tips

When in Europe, try splurging on at least one authentic local specialty—it might be wine in France, leather in Italy, or spa treatments in Hungary.

Budget in advance for experiences rather than souvenirs; Europeans often prioritize moments over material goods.

If you’re tempted by a local splurge, ask residents where they shop—locals often know the best quality for the best price.

One of the more controversial aspects of European spending is the way locals prioritize what outsiders might call “frivolous.” For example, many Europeans will invest in high-quality food and wine while living in modest apartments. Americans often see housing as the ultimate financial priority, leading to very different lifestyles.

Another flashpoint is healthcare and wellness. Europeans often splurge on preventative health treatments—thermal spas, organic markets, or fitness memberships. Americans might see these as indulgences, but for Europeans, they’re investments in long-term wellbeing.

Finally, the cultural value placed on tradition creates heated debates. Spending €500 on a handmade jacket passed down through generations makes sense to a European, while an American might prefer three fast-fashion wardrobes for the same price. This tension between quality and quantity lies at the heart of how each culture views money, value, and even success.

1. Handcrafted, Durable Footwear & Clothing

The Splurge

Stroll through a major European city—like Milan, Vienna, or Paris—and you’ll find bespoke cobblers, high-quality leather shops, and tailors offering custom suits or dresses. Many Europeans prefer fewer but sturdier footwear or garments. Instead of buying multiple cheap shoes, they invest in one well-made pair that might cost hundreds of euros, expecting it to last years with proper care.

Why Americans Resist

• Sticker Shock: Spending $300 or more on a pair of shoes seems outrageous to those used to budget retailers or a quick buy from discount outlets.
• Fast Fashion Culture: American malls overflow with cost-effective items that can be tossed after a season. Replacing them is seen as normal.

Why Europeans Embrace It

• Durability & Comfort: Good leather shoes or a tailored coat can age gracefully. The cost is offset by longevity—it’s not unusual to re-sole or repair rather than discard.
• Cultural Heritage: Regions like Italy’s Tuscany or Spain’s Mallorca have centuries-old traditions of handcrafting shoes. Locals grow up valuing artisanal craft and see it as worth the premium.

Takeaway: While Americans may balk at one pair costing as much as four or five from a discount store, Europeans see it as a wise investment, championing quality and minimalism over short-lived bargains.

2. Gourmet, Region-Specific Ingredients

The Splurge

Whether it’s imported Sicilian olive oil, a special raw-milk cheese from a particular French province, or a rare-foraged truffle from Piedmont, Europeans often don’t flinch at high grocery bills if the product is regionally certified and artisanal.

Why Americans Might Avoid It

• Bulk = Savings Mindset: In the U.S., cheaper, mass-produced olive oil or cheddar cheese is typically “good enough.” People might rarely justify paying triple for region-specific terroir.
• Lack of Familiarity: Without a tradition of specialized local goods, paying $15 for a small chunk of cheese or $30 for fancy olive oil can feel frivolous.

Why Europeans Indulge

• Protected Designations: Many countries have PDO / DOC labels ensuring authenticity. For instance, real Parmigiano Reggiano or Champagne is recognized globally—the name’s protected, and the taste justifies the price.
• Culinary Pride: “You are what you eat” runs deep. Spending extra on flavorful, top-quality produce or oils is seen as gourmet self-care, not an unnecessary splurge.

Takeaway: While Americans often see “premium groceries” as an occasional treat, Europeans see them as routine indulgences that uphold local traditions and elevate home cooking to a satisfying ritual.

3. Opera, Ballet, and Classical Concert Tickets

The Splurge

Americans might treat an opera or ballet as a rare, fancy night out—tickets can be pricey, easily $100+ each. Many skip such events, seeing them as “elite entertainment.” Yet in cities like Vienna or Milan, locals cheerfully buy season passes to the opera house or classical concert halls, paying hundreds or thousands over time.

Why Americans Hesitate

• Perception of Elitism: Opera and ballet in the U.S. can be perceived as highbrow or limited to older, wealthier crowds, not mainstream.
• Cost vs. Frequency: For an American who rarely attends classical performances, it’s a big splurge. They might prefer a pop concert for half the price.

Why Europeans Value It

• Deep Cultural Roots: In many parts of Europe, opera, ballet, or classical concerts are integral to local identity—Verdi in Italy, Tchaikovsky in Eastern Europe. Families pass this tradition down.
• More Accessible Tiers: Some cities (like Vienna) offer standing-room or discounted seats, making frequent attendance feasible. Locals see it as cultural nourishment.

Takeaway: While Americans might do a “once in a lifetime” event, Europeans might regularly attend, seeing the cost as an investment in cultural heritage and personal enrichment.

4. Luxurious Public Saunas or Thermal Spas

The Splurge

In countries like Germany, Austria, or Finland, top-tier thermal baths or saunas are a weekly or monthly tradition. Some spas boast multiple pools, steam rooms, and open-air hot springs. Entry fees can be steep—$20–$40 or more for a few hours.

Why Americans Avoid

• Cost/Benefit Doubt: Paying that much for a sauna or communal bath might seem like a “luxury spa day” expense. Americans often see spas as an occasional treat, not an everyday practice.
• Cultural Unfamiliarity: Nudity rules or co-ed areas can be off-putting for Americans unaccustomed to such openness.

Why Europeans Don’t Mind

• Holistic Health: Saunas or baths are part of routine self-care. People experience them as beneficial for stress relief, muscle recovery, and social relaxation.
• Social Custom: In Finland, a home sauna or weekly sauna visit is normal. The cost is seen as part of personal wellness, not an extravagance.

Takeaway: A spa day may be “splurging” to Americans, but many Europeans incorporate spa or sauna visits akin to regular therapy, worth the price for mental and physical well-being.

5. Handmade Furniture & Decor

The Splurge

While Americans might fill a house with inexpensive IKEA or discount furnishings, many Europeans love artisan-crafted pieces—like a custom wood dining table or unique antique armoire—and pay accordingly.

Why Americans Resist

• Price Gap: A handmade solid oak table can cost thousands, vs. a budget-friendly mass-produced set for a fraction of the price.
• Trend of Fast & Functional: Quick moves, big house expansions—some Americans see furniture as fleeting.

Why Europeans Embrace It

• Heirloom Mindset: They often purchase with the intention to keep or pass it down generations, so craftsmanship justifies the cost.
• Supporting Local Artisans: Many neighborhoods still have longtime carpenters or craft guilds. Spending on them fosters local tradition and ensures uniqueness.

Takeaway: The “throwaway” vs. “keep forever” mindset is a core difference. Europeans prefer paying for craftsmanship that stands the test of time—not an ephemeral buy-and-toss approach.

6. Premium Coffees or Espressos at Quality Cafés

The Splurge

Yes, Americans do love Starbucks, but in many places, coffee is about quick convenience—big to-go cups or free refills. Meanwhile, Europeans might pay a premium for a small, top-notch espresso at an iconic café bar. They’ll skip free refills but relish the pure flavor or ambiance.

Why Americans Might Avoid

• Less Refill Culture: Paying $3 for a tiny espresso with no refills can feel like a poor deal if you’re used to bottomless drip coffee.
• Time vs. Money: Americans might want “grab-and-go.” Waiting at a café table for a single espresso shot can seem a luxury in time and cash.

Why Europeans Splurge

• Taste & Ritual: They prefer a quality shot at a quaint café or bar. The artistry of well-pulled espresso, plus the cultural tradition of midmorning coffee “break,” is highly valued.
• No Overconsumption: They don’t need huge volumes. A single, potent espresso suffices, so paying more for perfect taste is worth it.

Takeaway: The American concept of “bigger is better” coffee conflicts with Europe’s “smaller, better, pricer is fine.” That single top-tier cappuccino or macchiato is a daily indulgence many Europeans wholeheartedly believe is worth every cent.

7. Frequent International Train Journeys or Rail Passes

The Splurge

In America, domestic airfares might be cheaper than a train for cross-state travel. Meanwhile, Europeans often pay higher train ticket costs to travel across borders or within their own country—even if flights might be similarly priced or cheaper.

Why Americans Call It a Luxury

• Economics: U.S. train networks are limited and often slower. People see flying or driving as more cost-effective.
• Time & Price: A high-speed train from, say, Paris to Barcelona can be expensive, sometimes more than a budget airline ticket.

Why Europeans Pay Anyway

• Convenience & Comfort: Trains are city-center to city-center, with no intense security lines. The journey is scenic and stress-free.
• Environmental & Cultural Factors: Some prefer trains for a smaller carbon footprint, or they simply love rail travel’s tradition and space to relax or work.

Takeaway: For Americans, dropping a chunk of money on rail journeys might seem extravagant. For Europeans, the train remains a standard, pleasurable, and environmentally conscious choice. It’s more than transport—it’s part of the continental identity.

Conclusion: Splurges That Reflect Cultural Values

Each of these “splurges” reveals how Europeans prioritize certain pleasures and qualities—be it artisanal craftsmanship, deep-rooted cultural experiences, or slower, more mindful consumption—over the cost-saving, convenience-first mindset often seen in the U.S. They’re not simply “throwing money away”; these purchases or experiences reflect local traditions, personal well-being, or a pride in heritage.

Of course, not all Europeans indulge in each item—financial realities vary. But the broader acceptance of paying for these “luxuries” underscores how cultural norms define what’s worth the expense. For them, it’s not about chasing cheap deals at every turn. If it’s a beautifully made pair of shoes, a daily perfect espresso, or an intangible bit of joy from an opera seat, they find value in paying a premium. Meanwhile, an American might skip or balk at these costs, labeling them “too expensive” or “unnecessary.”

But truly, if you live in a society that encourages cherishing artistry, extended leisure, and high-quality experiences, the lines between “luxury” and “basic necessity” often blur. After all, who’s to say a handcrafted dining table or month-long beach rental is frivolous when it’s part of your cultural DNA? Perhaps it’s a matter of perspective. Next time you see a European dropping a few hundred euros on a single piece of furniture or a special gourmet item, recall the deeper significance they assign to enduring quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. It might even inspire you to invest in fewer, better things—and enjoy them more.

Safe travels and keep an open mind as you encounter these cross-cultural spending habits!

Pro Tip: If you want to try adopting some of these European “splurges,” start small—like picking one artisanal grocery item or buying a single top-quality clothing piece that will last years. You might find new appreciation for investing in craftsmanship and experiences, not just short-lived bargains. Enjoy the cultural exploration!